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Thekkady

Overview

Thekkady is a popular tourist destination, close to Kumily in Kerala. The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are pictures que plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

There are special Kerala tour packages to this place. This location is one of the best places in Kerala to see wild animals. The major attraction of this place is the Periyar tiger reserve, which is situated around an artificial lake. This lake was formed when the Mullaperiyar dam was constructed across the river Periyar. Cruising in a boat along this lake is a thrilling experience for tourists. The boat takes tourists though calm waters which are surrounded by hills and forests. During the boat cruise it is possible to see some wild animals that come here to drink water.

Wild elephants can be seen moving in groups. Another common wild animal that can be seen are the wild buffalos. One may also come across animals like deer, wild boar, otters etc. Nilgiri tahrs and lion tailed macaque are also plenty in the area and they may be sometimes spotted sitting on trees. Monkeys are commonly seen in the boat landing area. Although this place is a tiger reserve tigers are rarely seen during boat cruise.

There is no possibility of wild animals attacking tourists because they are at a safe distance from the river bank. In Thekkady animals also don’t feel threatened by humans as they are far away in a boat. They do not run away seeing a boat and so it is easier to spot wild animals.

Apart from wild life Thekkady and the surrounding area are known for a variety of spices. Cardamom and tea estates can be seen on the way to Thekkady. The road leading to this place passes through hills and tea estates and the tourists can get a view of the breath taking natural beauty all around.

Thekkady is situated at an altitude of 1500 mtr above sea level and the weather is pleasant throughout the year. Most of the accommodation facilities are in Kumily. Thekkady is 145 km from Cochin airport, 107 km from Kottayam railway station.

Attractions and Places to Visit

Lying close to the plantations,in the rich jungles of periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wild life reserves-the periyar wild life sanctuary.Spread across the 777sq.km.,of wich 360 sq.km. is thick evergreen forest,the periyar wild life sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beautty,the reserve attracts the visitors all over the world.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experiance of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar,however,are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the out skirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu. Permission to visit the area can be abtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady.

This sleepy little village with its breath taking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.